Category Archives: –BLECKLEY COUNTY GA–

This is part of a complex of several small buildings that are all attached to one another, painted in different bright colors. I’m not sure if it’s part of a thrift-type store or someone’s personal property.

Every town of a good size once boasted a bonded cotton warehouse or two. Most sold fertilizers, seeds, and chemicals to area farmers and came to prominence with the rise of industrial agriculture. This one is especially nice because its old sign is still intact. I believe it’s still in business.

I haven’t been able to locate a history of this structure yet, but it was likely built around 190o-1915. Citadel-style jails like this were popular at that time. I know it was in use as the county building inspector’s office as late as 2008.

John Joseph Taylor (1855-1917) was for many years the leading businessman in Cochran. He started with a general store and later became president of the Cochran Banking Company and a cotton mill; he also built Cochran’s opera house. Taylor, who lived in the house next door, built Hillcrest as a present for his daughter Alice when she married John Augustus Walker on 12 January 1910. Walker was also involved in the Cochran Banking Company and served as Postmaster from 1933-1941. The house remained in the family until 1965. Dr. Virlon Griner, pastor of Cochran First Baptist Church, purchased it in 1970 and began a restoration that returned it to a single family dwelling, which it remains today.

The National Register nomination form calls the house “Hillcrest” but also notes it was known as Cedar Hall. After hearing from one of the Taylor granddaughters, Lady N. Hodges, I’m going with Cedar Hall, since that is what the house was known as for most of its history. Apparently, “Hillcrest” was a later name. She also clarifies other facts about the house, in her comments following the post.

I just learned from Cindy McDonald Swartz that this historic property, built by Alcanah R. (Cain) & Martha Dikes Coley around 1842, was lost in a fire last night, likely caused by a lightning strike. It’s a real loss. Cindy’s photo shows that some of the exterior was saved but the interior appears to be a loss.

This is what remains of the historic settlement of Goldsboro. It’s one of the best-looking country stores around and is luckily protected from vandals by the presence of a house next door. I admire those who have maintained this relic over the years. I just want to thank Cindy McDonald Swartz for pointing me to Highway 26; it’s one of the most beautiful drives in this part of Georgia and will make you want to explore all of Bleckley County. There’s lots to see.